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Natural Ventilation and Green Walls Enhance Community Living in Pigmented Concrete Structure

Authors:
Radomír Paulus, Ben Daniels
Natural Ventilation and Green Walls Enhance Community Living in Pigmented Concrete Structure
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Built with pigmented concrete and enhanced by green walls, the design integrates natural ventilation and modular living spaces to support community engagement in a senior residential environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Integrated green walls provide biodiversity while enhancing air quality throughout the living spaces.
02
Modular unit designs allow for flexible living arrangements tailored to individual resident needs.
03
Pigmented concrete exterior promotes durability and aesthetic warmth in the surrounding environment.
04
Natural ventilation strategies optimize indoor climate control, reducing reliance on mechanical systems.
05
Central courtyard encourages social interaction and fosters a sense of community among residents.

## Overview

Located within a rural context, the Village House design addresses the increasing demands of retirement living by reimagining village concepts to enhance quality of life for seniors. This project connects independent living spaces with communal services, cultivating an inclusive environment that promotes both autonomy and social engagement.

### Spatial Organization and Community Integration

A key aspect of the design is its strategic layout, which combines essential services—such as health facilities, recreational areas, and communal spaces—into a unified framework. The central courtyard acts as a social nucleus, encouraging interaction among residents while distinctly separating public and private zones. Public amenities, including dining and social rooms, offer ease of access, while residential units are thoughtfully positioned to maintain privacy.

### Material Selection and Sustainability

The Village House employs a variety of sustainable materials to enhance the building's ecological footprint. Pigmented concrete is prominently used in public areas, providing warmth and inviting pathways. Extensive glass facades facilitate natural light and blur the boundaries between indoors and outdoors. Additionally, green walls and terrace gardens incorporate plant life into the architecture, supporting biodiversity and improving air quality. The architectural form adopts a cantilevered structure, enhancing natural ventilation and allowing residents to connect visually with their natural surroundings through expansive balconies.

The design incorporates modular living spaces that can be customized to accommodate the needs of individual residents, while multi-purpose areas foster vibrant community interactions. Through its thoughtful blend of design and functionality, the Village House establishes a framework for modern retirement living.

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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Competition organisers

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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